Su'a Cravens - Linebacker/Safety - USC
Su'a Cravens is one of the new age linebacker-safety hybrids that the NFL is starting to fall in love with. He can be moved around on the defensive side of the ball like a chess piece as he can play the run, pass and blitz. The All-American is currently looking like a late first round selection, but with a strong combine he could shoot up draft boards as we get closer to April.
Strengths:
+ Outstanding recognition against the run. Excels in particular against outside runs where he can knife his way through traffic and rack up tackles for loss. Very fluid when working through traffic and uses his long arms and athleticism to his advantage. Very good closing speed.
+ Also very good against the pass. Good instincts and coverage ability. Generally has good position on the receiver and has soft hands to make the interception.
+ Has the ability to make highlight-reel hits but also knows how to properly tackle and wrap up when necessary.
+ High football IQ. Knows when to take risks and when to play it safe.
Weaknesses:
- Has a bad habit of lunging and missing the tackle in the open field. Easily fooled by read-option plays.
- Good, not great speed, but would be considered great speed for a linebacker.
- If a team drafts him as a linebacker he will need to add some weight.
Player Comparison: Telvin Smith
Gif Scouting Bust Percentage: 20%
Strengths:
+ Outstanding recognition against the run. Excels in particular against outside runs where he can knife his way through traffic and rack up tackles for loss. Very fluid when working through traffic and uses his long arms and athleticism to his advantage. Very good closing speed.
+ Also very good against the pass. Good instincts and coverage ability. Generally has good position on the receiver and has soft hands to make the interception.
+ Has the ability to make highlight-reel hits but also knows how to properly tackle and wrap up when necessary.
+ High football IQ. Knows when to take risks and when to play it safe.
Weaknesses:
- Has a bad habit of lunging and missing the tackle in the open field. Easily fooled by read-option plays.
- Good, not great speed, but would be considered great speed for a linebacker.
- If a team drafts him as a linebacker he will need to add some weight.
Player Comparison: Telvin Smith
Gif Scouting Bust Percentage: 20%